Career Center at DHS preparing students for tech jobs

fosters.com

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Posted Nov. 27, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Posted Nov. 27, 2012 at 12:01 AM

DOVER -- A high-tech world demands a high-tech education and the Career Technical Center at Dover High School is meeting that demand with an approach to education that ensures students will be ready for the challenges ahead, whether to go to college, into an apprenticeship program, or directly into their chosen field.

With an understanding that there are many paths a student can take, the CTC offers a solid foundation that even includes honors level programs and ranges from complete training to an inside look into a field. Strategic partnerships with local colleges mean students can earn college level credit for course work performed in high school and those credits transfer to other institutions.

Jim Amara, Career Technical Center Director, says students can major in one of 15 career offerings, giving them an opportunity to pick up a skill or learn about a particular technology. In some areas they can go directly into a profession and in other areas they go on to a two or four year school.

Amara says a student in the engineering program is not going right from the program to an engineering firm, but they may have a better idea of what specific field they want to pursue or if they even want to continue in engineering. On the other hand, a student in the health sciences can study at the CTC and go out and start working in the field as licensed nursing assistant in a hospital or a nursing home.

Either way, Amara says, they make sure students have the academic preparation as well as the technical preparation they need whatever path they choose. CTC students can also find out what they like or don’t like by getting firsthand experience in a particular field. Far too often university students drop out of an engineering or nursing program, after great expense, because they did not know what to expect.

April O’Keefe, Career Services Coordinator, says the traditional hands-on jobs associated with vocational schools have changed completely. “Students need a specific kind expertise as jobs become more and more highly technical. In other words, “we’re not voc-ed anymore; this is practical and relevant, Career Technical Education.”

A key to keeping up with the latest technologies within the CTC curriculum is partnering with local businesses. Amara says each program has an advisory committee to maintain that partnership with the industry in the local area. These partnerships help student secure internships, externships and even jobs upon graduation.

Local high-tech manufacturer, Cramer Fabrics, has partnered with the CTC where seniors are currently being interviewed for part-time positions. O’Keefe says these students have the basic skills that a company like Cramer is looking for; skills they often struggle to find in the local area. Certified Retail Solutions, a company that repurposes computerized hand-held devices and more, also partners with the CTC.

The Career Technical Center is one of the leading programs of its kind in New England and O’Keefe says she is always looking for additional opportunities to partner with schools and businesses to continue to grow the program.

Whatever path students embark upon, Amara says, they’re not going to stop learning, “those days are over, you have to be continually updating your math, computer and writing skills.” The solid academic foundation alongside the hands-on skills they get at the CTC helps students achieve long term success.